The Cost of a Trip from Bainbridge Island, Washington to the City of Canandaigua, New York
Introduction
Embarking on a cross-country road trip can be an exciting adventure, filled with new experiences and breathtaking sights. However, before setting off on such a journey, it is important to consider the cost implications, especially with fluctuating gas prices. In this article, we will explore the various routes from Bainbridge Island, Washington to the City of Canandaigua, New York, analyzing the costs and distances associated with each option. By the end, you will be equipped with the information needed to make an informed decision about the most economical route.
Route Options
Route 1: The Northern Passage
The first route we will consider is the Northern passage. This route takes you through the beautiful states of Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and finally, New York. While this option may seem more straightforward, it involves a longer distance to cover, which translates to additional fuel costs. Let's break down the distance and cost for each leg of the journey:
- Bainbridge Island, Washington to Spokane, Washington: 298 miles
- Spokane, Washington to Missoula, Montana: 191 miles
- Missoula, Montana to Bismarck, North Dakota: 532 miles
- Bismarck, North Dakota to Fargo, North Dakota: 199 miles
- Fargo, North Dakota to Minneapolis, Minnesota: 240 miles
- Minneapolis, Minnesota to Eau Claire, Wisconsin: 90 miles
- Eau Claire, Wisconsin to Milwaukee, Wisconsin: 275 miles
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Grand Rapids, Michigan: 146 miles
- Grand Rapids, Michigan to Detroit, Michigan: 155 miles
- Detroit, Michigan to Canandaigua, New York: 329 miles
Cost Analysis
To estimate the fuel cost for the Northern Passage route, we will assume an average gas price of $3.00 per gallon, and an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon (mpg). The total distance for the Northern Passage route is approximately 2,665 miles. Hence, the number of gallons required can be calculated by dividing the distance by the fuel efficiency:
2,665 miles / 25 mpg = 106.6 gallons
The total cost of fuel can then be determined by multiplying the number of gallons by the gas price:
106.6 gallons * $3.00/gallon = $319.80
Route 2: The Southern Detour
An alternative route to consider is the Southern Detour. This route takes you through Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and finally, New York. While this route is longer in terms of mileage, it may offer more appealing sights for those who want to explore the southwestern states. Here are the distances and costs for each leg of the journey:
- Bainbridge Island, Washington to Richland, Washington: 193 miles
- Richland, Washington to Boise, Idaho: 350 miles
- Boise, Idaho to Salt Lake City, Utah: 342 miles
- Salt Lake City, Utah to Las Vegas, Nevada: 421 miles
- Las Vegas, Nevada to Phoenix, Arizona: 295 miles
- Phoenix, Arizona to Albuquerque, New Mexico: 422 miles
- Albuquerque, New Mexico to Amarillo, Texas: 286 miles
- Amarillo, Texas to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: 263 miles
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to St. Louis, Missouri: 492 miles
- St. Louis, Missouri to Indianapolis, Indiana: 243 miles
- Indianapolis, Indiana to Columbus, Ohio: 171 miles
- Columbus, Ohio to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: 185 miles
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Canandaigua, New York: 254 miles
Cost Analysis
Using the same assumptions as before (average gas price of $3.00 per gallon and average fuel efficiency of 25 mpg), and considering a total distance of approximately 3,477 miles for the Southern Detour route, we can calculate the fuel cost:
3,477 miles / 25 mpg = 139.1 gallons
139.1 gallons * $3.00/gallon = $417.30
Recommended Route
After comparing the two routes, it is clear that the Northern Passage route is the more fuel-efficient option, resulting in lower costs. Despite the longer distance, the Northern Passage route boasts a total fuel expense of $319.80. On the other hand, the Southern Detour route incurs a higher fuel cost of $417.30.
Additionally, the Northern Passage route allows travelers to explore the scenic natural beauty of Montana, North Dakota, and Michigan, all while saving money on fuel. If time is not a major factor, this route offers a visually rewarding and cost-effective journey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of a trip from Bainbridge Island, Washington to the City of Canandaigua, New York greatly depends on the chosen route and fluctuating gas prices. After analyzing the Northern Passage and Southern Detour routes, we find that the former offers a more economical option, with a total fuel cost of $319.80 compared to the Southern Detour's $417.30.
Considering the distance covered, the Northern Passage route covers approximately 2,665 miles, while the Southern Detour extends up to 3,477 miles. The time taken to complete the journey will depend on various factors such as traffic, rest breaks, and personal preferences.
In any case, embarking on a road trip of this magnitude will undoubtedly create lasting memories and provide an opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures that lie between Bainbridge Island, Washington and the City of Canandaigua, New York. So buckle up, have a great time, and enjoy the adventure!